Huli Huli Chicken

Irresistible Huli Huli Chicken: Hawaiian Grilled Perfection

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Huli Huli Chicken delivers authentic Hawaiian flavors with its sweet-savory glaze caramelized over open flames. This tropical marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a backyard luau sensation that’s both simple to make and impressively delicious.

Why You’ll Love Huli Huli Chicken

This Hawaiian-inspired dish brings island paradise straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. The sticky, caramelized exterior gives way to incredibly juicy meat infused with ginger, soy, and pineapple flavors. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, this recipe creates restaurant-quality results that will have everyone asking for seconds. The make-ahead marinade means less stress and more flavor—exactly what busy home cooks need.

Grilling Huli Huli Chicken on barbecue with basting brush
Basting Huli Huli Chicken on the grill for that signature caramelized glaze

Huli Huli Chicken Ingredients

  • 4 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Tools Used to Make Huli Huli Chicken

  • Large mixing bowl or zip-top bag
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grilling tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small saucepan (for reducing sauce)
  • Basting brush
  • Grill (gas or charcoal)

How to Make Huli Huli Chicken

Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken dinner plate with coconut rice and grilled pineapple
Island-inspired dinner featuring Huli Huli Chicken with tropical sides
  1. Make the marinade: Combine pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
  2. Marinate chicken: Reserve 1 cup of marinade for basting. Add chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is better).
  3. Prepare grill: Heat grill to medium heat (350-375°F). Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Reduce basting sauce: While grill heats, simmer reserved marinade in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Grill chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade). Place chicken skin-side down on grill and cook for 5-7 minutes until marked with grill lines.
  6. Flip and baste: Turn chicken over (“huli” means “turn” in Hawaiian). Baste with reduced sauce. Continue cooking, flipping and basting every 5 minutes.
  7. Check doneness: Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is caramelized and crispy, about 25-30 minutes total.
  8. Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Variations of Huli Huli Chicken

  • Spicy version: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or sambal oelek to the marinade
  • Citrus twist: Replace half the pineapple juice with orange juice
  • Coconut infusion: Add 2 tablespoons coconut milk to the marinade
  • Pineapple grilled chicken: Top with grilled pineapple rings
  • Drumstick option: Use drumsticks instead of thighs (reduce cooking time)
Close-up of chicken thigh with bite taken showing juicy interior
The perfect bite of Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken

Serving Huli Huli Chicken

Serve this tropical chicken with coconut rice or steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Add a side of Asian cucumber salad for freshness and complete the meal with grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. For authentic Hawaiian presentation, serve on a large platter with grilled pineapple slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Huli Huli Chicken in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes, basting occasionally. Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Don’t exceed 24 hours as the acids can break down the meat too much.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts work well but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Yes, reduce the brown sugar to 2-3 tablespoons for a less sweet flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying.

Final Thoughts

Huli Huli Chicken brings Hawaiian vacation vibes to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Try this island classic today and transport your taste buds to paradise with every bite!

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